What wine is Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 'Bricco Riva Bianca' 2020 - Picchioni

Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 'Bricco Riva Bianca' 2020 - Picchioni is a full-bodied and intense red wine, the result of the winemaking tradition of Oltrepò Pavese and the experience of Andrea Picchioni, a winemaker who works with respect for the environment and the vineyard according to organic methods. It is made from a typical local blend of Croatina, Barbera, and a small percentage of Vespolina: three grapes that together create a wine with a decisive, structured, and at the same time elegant character, capable of best expressing the hilly soul of Oltrepò Pavese.

Vintage details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a warm but not excessive summer and a regular autumn that allowed for uniform ripening of the grapes. The grapes destined for Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 'Bricco Riva Bianca' 2020 - Picchioni were harvested manually in the vineyards of Canneto Pavese, on well-exposed and warm slopes. The result is a harmonious, profound wine true to its terroir of origin.

Winemaking and aging

After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and subjected to spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by a maceration of about two weeks on the skins, necessary to extract color, aromas, and tannins. After fermentation, the wine ages in oak barriques for about two years, a process that allows the tannins to soften and enriches the bouquet with spicy and toasted aromas. Only after this period is the wine bottled and rests further before being released for sale.

Tasting notes

Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 'Bricco Riva Bianca' 2020 - Picchioni stands out for the complexity of its sensory profile, which combines power and finesse.

Colour

Intense ruby red with garnet reflections, synonymous with its maturity and concentration. The chromatic density already reveals the important structure of the wine to the eye.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses a rich and enveloping bouquet: aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, and plum intertwine with nuances of sweet spices, cocoa, and a light balsamic touch. The evolved notes of fine wood and vanilla come from the long aging in oak, perfectly integrated into the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, warm, and enveloping, with velvety tannins and a robust yet balanced structure. The fresh component of Barbera adds dynamism and pleasantness, while Croatina provides body and depth. The persistence is long, with a complex finish that recalls the fruity and spicy sensations perceived on the nose.

What dishes to pair with Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 'Bricco Riva Bianca' 2020 - Picchioni

This important red wine pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful traditional dishes. Recommended pairings include:

• First courses with meat sauces, such as pappardelle with ragù or risotto with sausage.
• Main courses of roasted or braised meat – ideal with beef in Barolo or wild boar stew.
• Aged cheeses, which enhance its structure and aromatic complexity.

Also excellent as a meditation wine, to be savored slowly to grasp all its nuances.

Storage and aging: how to store Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 'Bricco Riva Bianca' 2020 - Picchioni

To best preserve the characteristics of this wine, it is important to store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure proper oxygen exchange over time. Thanks to its structure and long aging, Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 'Bricco Riva Bianca' 2020 - Picchioni is a wine that can evolve in the bottle for over 10 years, developing more complex aromas and greater softness. A red wine to rediscover and cherish, capable of telling, sip after sip, the true essence of Oltrepò Pavese.